Public Policy Chart: Public Policy Initiatives: Cause and Effect
PUBLIC POLICY ISSUE | HOW ISSUE HAS BEEN HISTORICALLY ADDRESSED
| KEY TRENDS | WHY A CHANGE IS CALLED FOR | POTENTIAL NEGATIVE COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES
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Juvenile delinquency and drug abuse is an issue that negatively affects most societies. Young people start experimenting with new things such as drugs, music, sexuality and new social groups from the age of fourteen (Elliott, Huizinga & Menard, 2012). At this age, most of the youths like exploring new ideas which may turn out to be challenging to not only the parents but also the authority. In some of the cases, this stage of experimenting may be harmless, but at some points, others may start abusing their body with the drugs. Youths who have been reported to indulge in underage drinking are in some societies associated with criminal acts in some countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia (Elliott, Huizinga & Menard, 2012). Delinquency describes antisocial behaviors and illegal activities. Delinquent behavior may include sex crimes, underage drinking, violence, property crimes and drug use (Ryan, Williams & Courtney, 2013). Delinquent youths are associated with dangerous crimes hence it is an issue of concern in the society.
| The issue of juvenile delinquency and drug abuse have been historically addressed through the juvenile drug courts. Ryan, Williams, and Courtney (2013) assert that drug abuse in youths does not only need to be addressed through the court but also through specialized treatment. The aim of providing treatment to the youths is to reduce substance use and recidivism (Elliott, Huizinga & Menard, 2012). The juvenile court processes allow the intensive judicial supervision. By addressing the issue in juvenile law courts, the youths have a chance for rectifying their behavior and being incorporated in the society. Historically, the issue of drug abuse has been addressed through six stages (Ryan, Williams & Courtney, 2013). The first stage involved assessing and screening to identify the problems associated with substance use. Through the coordination of services across agencies the families affected were able to make initial contact with these services. Youths were made to actively engage in such services to shift the concentration of drug abuse to these services. Other strategies that were involved in addressing the issue include frequent judicial reviews, collaborative interdisciplinary planning, drugs testing and use of sanctions and incentives to reinforce good behavior and at the same time modify the bad behavior (Elliott, Huizinga & Menard, 2012).
| One of the trends observed in the societal setup is the shift in response of youths to drug abuse and juvenile crime. Contrary to the past, youths have developed social, cognitive skills and emotional skills which are necessary for leading a productive life (Elliott, Huizinga & Menard, 2012). As such, the juvenile law courts have shifted their emphasis from the single participant as a combat method to the entire family. Modern drug courts apply the comprehensive services of managing the individuals and also the relatives of the offenders.
| A call for change in this issue is due to media outcry and legal decisions. Young people who regularly abuse drugs experience several problems which include health problems, difficulties, poor peer relationships and even challenges in relationships (Elliott, Huizinga & Menard, 2012). In addition to this, the juveniles are also involved in a crime which may lead them to face the juvenile justice system. Such challenges faced by the youths lead to media outcry for a change to ensure a society free from crime. Additionally, the consequences of juvenile delinquency and drug abuse affect family members and even the community (Ryan, Williams & Courtney, 2013). Therefore, it is the role of government to come up with the legislature on governing the behavior of youths in society. As such, a call for change regarding this issue is raised by the public through media outcry and the government through legal decisions.
| Some of the changes proposed include intensive monitoring by judges and using treatment professionals (Ryan, Williams & Courtney, 2013). As such, the juvenile drug courts aim at using an individualized plan. Use of individualized plan can not only be expensive but also time-consuming.
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References
Elliott, D. S., Huizinga, D., & Menard, S. (2012). Multiple problem youths: Delinquency, substance use, and mental health problems. Berlin: Springer Science & Business Media.
Ryan, J. P., Williams, A. B., & Courtney, M. E. (2013). Adolescent neglect, juvenile delinquency and the risk of recidivism. Journal of youth and adolescence, 42(3), 454-465.